Pressure ulcer prosthesis and method for treating and/or preventing pressure ulcers

Abstract

A pressure ulcer prosthesis (10) having an elongated body (11) to support a patient's limb. The body (11) has a longitudinally extending support surface (13) that is arcuate and concave in transverse cross section. A distal end (12) having a surface (18) extends away from the surface (13) so as to diverge therefrom so that a portion of the limb adjacently surface (18) is released from pressure.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001]The present invention relates to a prosthesis for treating and / or preventing pressure ulcers. The invention also relates to a method of treating and / or preventing pressure ulcers. More particularly the present invention is directed to a prosthesis and method for treating and / or preventing pressure ulcers on the foot of the patient, and more particularly still, on or around the lateral malleolus and calcaneus of the patient's foot.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002]Immobility, prolonged periods of lying down such as following surgery, peripheral vascular disease and diabetes are all examples of the kinds of things that are associated with pressure sores or pressure ulcers in patients.[0003]Patients who are lying down for prolonged periods are particularly prone to developing pressure ulcers on or around the calcaneus and lateral malleolus of the foot. Patients with diabetes are highly susceptible to developing diabetic foot ulcers caused by poor circulation and p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a pressure ulcer prosthesis for the treatment and prevention of pressure ulcers on a patient's foot. The prosthesis has a longitudinally extending support surface for the patient's limb, with a curved shape that matches the natural contour of the foot. The prosthesis has a distal end with a further surface that relieves pressure from the limb. The prosthesis can be made with a reinforcement structure for added strength and can be secured to the patient's limb using a fitting strap. The prosthesis also has a longitudinally extending liner for ventilation and can be used in a variety of shapes and materials to improve comfort for the patient. The invention also provides a method for using the prosthesis to prevent pressure ulcers on the foot."

Problems solved by technology

Patients who are lying down for prolonged periods are particularly prone to developing pressure ulcers on or around the calcaneus and lateral malleolus of the foot.

Patients with diabetes are highly susceptible to developing diabetic foot ulcers caused by poor circulation and patients with peripheral vascular disease are susceptible to developing arterial ulcers.

However, many of these, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,197,845, U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,339, U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,738 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,104,746 all make some contact with the sole of the patient's foot making it potentially difficult for the patient to walk whilst wearing the prosthesis.

In addition, each of the above mentioned prior art examples, as well U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,874, all have the effect, that when the patient is wearing them and is supine, the height of the patient's foot relative to that of their knee is greater, causing the patient's leg to hyperextend.

This can be uncomfortable and is not overcome by the prior art mentioned above.

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